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Scoring baskets for the community

Fire vs. Police game generates 313 pounds of canned foods

Firefighter Matt Baldwin gets by police officer Colton Price on a fast break during the Camas-Washougal Fire vs. Police charity basketball game. The fire department made a big push late in the game, but the police held on for a 65-58 victory.

Josh Troyer takes a shot during the first Camas-Washougal Hoopin' With Heroes Fire vs. Police charity basketball game Friday, at Camas High School. Spectators brought enough cans of food to fill six boxes, which was donated to the Inter-Faith Treasure House in Washougal.

Firefighters and police officers from Camas, Washougal and Vancouver played a friendly game of basketball Friday, at Camas High School, and donated 313 pounds of canned foods to the Inter-Faith Treasure House, in Washougal.

“We both wear different uniforms, but we’re all on the same team,” said Camas-Washougal Firefighter Wade Faircloth. “We are here to help people.”

Police won the contest 65-58. Fire fought back from 13 points down to make it a 4-point game late in the fourth quarter.

“It was a close game, the crowd got really involved and I was thrilled,” Fellows said. “I’d say the win gives us a little bit of bragging rights. Next year, we’ll be ready to defend.”

Faircloth said he and his fellow firefighters were just trying to make it a game. He hopes next year’s event can draw a little bit more buzz around Camas and Washougal.

“We should be able to fill those stands with people, only to fill those cans with boxes,” Faircloth said. “Come watch us old-timers have a good time trying to relive our youth.”

As much as Troyer enjoyed getting out on the court and competing, he also took advantage of the opportunity to help kids in the basketball clinic beforehand. He said about 25 children participated, and many of them stuck around to cheer for the police officers and firefighters they just met.

“It’s cool seeing so many people come together for a good cause,” Troyer said. “I hope this becomes an annual event, and a fun game to look forward to every year. I’m leaving with a few bruises. I’m a little sore, but I also have lots of good memories.”